Committee on Transportation and Public Way meeting, September 9, 2026
- When: Wed, Sep 9, 2026, 10:30 AM (Chicago time)
- Where: 201A, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: Committee on Transportation and Public Way
- Video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8928551?video=1209984898
Meeting notes
AI-written from the transcript. Speakers are inferred from cues in the recording, so treat names as estimates and check the video at the linked time.
The Committee on Transportation and Public Way, chaired by Alderperson Gregory I. Mitchell, established a quorum, approved remote participation for Alderpersons Mosley and Hopkins, heard one public commenter, and approved its Rule 45 report. The committee recommended approval of a resolution calling on the Department of Transportation to rename Lincoln Central Park as Deidre's Garden and of the appointment of Albert D. Reniva to the Illinois International Port District Board after members asked about his priorities and approach to maritime development. It also approved 28 miscellaneous ordinances, the River Ward and 4000 Marine Drive subdivisions, an alley vacation and dedication for New Life Covenant Southeast church, a vacation of a strip of South Burley Avenue within a federal Superfund site, and a re-approval of an alley vacation for 6200 Higgins with $365,000 in compensation due. All items were approved by voice vote and the meeting adjourned.
Topics: Illinois International Port District Board appointment, Street and alley vacations, Subdivisions, Park renaming, Superfund site, Maritime development, Public comment
Agenda items discussed
- 4:55 Roll call to establish a quorum
- 5:49 Motion to allow remote participation for Alderperson Ronnie L. Mosley under Rule 59: passed
- 6:08 Public comment: discussed
- 12:13 Approval of the Rule 45 report for the July 14, 2026 meeting: passed
- 12:33 Resolution calling on the Department of Transportation to rename Lincoln Central Park to Deidre's Garden in honor of Deidre Grazano: passed
- 13:07 Appointment of Albert D. Reniva to the Illinois International Port District Board: passed
- 27:43 Motion to accept direct introductions into committee: passed
- 28:12 Motion to allow remote participation for Alderperson Brian Hopkins under Rule 59: passed
- 28:38 Motion to accept substitute ordinances into committee: passed
- 28:56 28 ordinances for miscellaneous items introduced by local alderpersons: passed
- 29:25 River Ward re-subdivision bounded by West Oakdale Avenue, North Leavitt Avenue, North Oakley Avenue and the North Branch of the Chicago River: passed
- 38:15 4000 Marine Drive, LLC subdivision bounded by West Bittersweet Avenue, North Marine Drive, West Irving Park Road and North Clarendon Avenue: passed
- 41:43 New Life Covenant SE alley vacation and dedication near South Dobson Avenue, East 76th Street, South Greenwood Avenue and East 77th Street: passed
- 46:32 Vacation of a portion of South Burley Avenue from East 130th Street to East 126th Street: passed
- 49:16 6200 Higgins, LLC vacation of public alleys (re-approval with compensation of $365,000): passed
- 50:24 Adjournment: passed
Alderpersons who spoke
- Gregory I. Mitchell (chair): Said he wanted to make sure people who sign up for public comment have an opportunity to speak. (6:56); Asked the port board nominee about his familiarity with maritime law and what incentives he would use to attract maritime businesses. (22:26); Asked how the nominee would weigh long-term maritime value against a higher-paying non-maritime land lease. (24:57)
- William Conway (alderperson): Thanked the port board nominee, said he appeared well qualified, and asked for his views on what the Port District could do better for the city. (17:42); Said the nominee's governance background suits the role and moved to recommend his appointment. (18:57)
- David H. Moore (alderperson): Commended the mayor for the appointment, citing the value of diversity and qualifications on boards. (19:37); Said significant money and contracts flow through the Port District and it needs a knowledgeable member willing to push back when needed. (20:15)
- Michelle A. Harris (alderperson): Thanked the mayor for the port board appointment, gave the nominee her full support and asked him to keep the public informed, possibly through a newsletter. (21:48); Expressed full support for the New Life Covenant project, describing the church's work transforming the Grand Crossing area. (44:35)
- Scott Waguespack (alderperson): Thanked the development team for addressing sewer, water and other issues at the former industrial River Ward site, said it would open river access and add to the tax base, and asked for approval. (34:46)
Exchanges between members
- 21:06 Alderperson David H. Moore echoed Alderperson William Conway remarks about the nominee and seconded his motion to recommend the appointment.